Battery for Trolling Motor
A trolling motor is only as reliable as its battery. SAFTEC ENERGY builds custom LiFePO4 battery packs for trolling motors that deliver steadier voltage, longer usable runtime, and significantly lower weight than lead-acid options.
We support 12V, 24V, and 36V trolling motor systems, and we can customize capacity, case size, terminals, BMS protections, and labeling for OEM, ODM, private label, or SAFTEC-branded programs.
Looking for a LiFePO4 Trolling Motor Battery Manufacturer
SAFTEC ENERGY designs and builds LiFePO4 trolling motor battery packs for 12V, 24V, and 36V systems. To recommend the right pack quickly, send us four items:
Trolling motor brand/model and required voltage
Your target on-water runtime and typical speed use
Battery compartment dimensions and terminal orientation
Charging source (shore charger, onboard charger, alternator/outboard, or solar)
We’ll reply with a capacity recommendation + configuration suggestion + quotation, and highlight any charging upgrades needed for lithium.
Why Choose SAFTEC as Your Trolling Motor Battery Manufacturer
Trolling motors are continuous loads with real-world surges. Our packs are built around consistency, protection logic, and predictable output:
Matched cells and controlled assembly to reduce imbalance and early capacity drop
BMS tuned for marine loads, including over-current/short protection and temperature-based safeguards
Stable voltage under load, helping reduce the “slowdown” feeling when batteries discharge
Pack-level testing before shipment (basic electrical checks and protection verification)
Traceable labeling options to support distributors and long-term service programs
OEM and ODM Trolling Motor Battery Pack Supplier
For OEM/ODM and private-label programs, we support customization from the pack outward:
Voltage & capacity: 12V / 24V / 36V, capacity tailored to runtime goals
Enclosure & fitment: drop-in styles or custom cases for tight compartments
Terminals & harness: studs, connectors, cable length, fuse/breaker recommendations
BMS options: continuous/peak current targets, low-temp charge cutoff, monitoring options
Branding: label design, packaging, and carton marking for your channel
Choose 12V, 24V, or 36V for Trolling Motor Systems
Most trolling motors run on 12V, 24V, or 36V. Your motor’s nameplate or manual will confirm the required voltage.
| Motor System Voltage | Typical Use Case | What You Gain | Common Battery Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V | smaller boats, lighter thrust demand | simplest wiring, lower cost | one 12V LiFePO4 pack |
| 24V | mid-size boats, higher thrust demand | stronger thrust at lower current, better efficiency | 24V pack or two 12V packs in series |
| 36V | larger boats, highest thrust demand | best performance for demanding conditions | 36V pack or three 12V packs in series |
Note: Most trolling motors are 12V, 24V, or 36V. Some high-power setups can be 48V. If you are unsure, send the motor model and we will confirm the correct voltage.
How to Calculate Trolling Motor Battery Size and Runtime
To size a trolling motor battery correctly, you need two inputs:
Average current draw (amps) at your typical speed
Usable capacity (amp-hours) you plan to use
A practical runtime estimate: Runtime hours ≈ Usable Ah ÷ Average amps
Example:
12V 100Ah LiFePO4 pack
If your average draw is 40A at your typical speed
And you plan to use 80Ah of usable capacity
Estimated runtime ≈ 80Ah ÷ 40A = 2 hours
Why average draw matters:
Trolling motors can draw far more current at max speed than at cruising speeds
Many anglers spend most time at mid-range speeds, so average draw is often much lower than the “max amps” in a spec sheet
If you want a more energy-based view:
Energy in watt-hours = Voltage × Amp-hours
Higher voltage systems can reduce current draw for the same power demand, which can help efficiency in wiring and connectors
Send your motor model and your target runtime, and we can recommend a capacity range that matches your real usage pattern.
Why LiFePO4 Is a Strong Fit for Trolling Motors
LiFePO4 is popular in trolling motor applications for practical reasons:
Lower weight: easier handling and better boat balance
More usable capacity: less “voltage fade” and stronger output as the battery discharges
Stable voltage under load: helps maintain trolling motor performance at higher throttle
Long service life: designed for repeated deep cycling
Fast, predictable charging: with the correct charging profile
What We Need to Recommend the Right Trolling Motor Battery
For a fast and accurate recommendation, please share:
Trolling motor brand/model and thrust rating
System voltage (12V, 24V, 36V)
Your target runtime and typical speed usage
Boat type and load conditions (wind/current, heavy vegetation, etc.)
Battery compartment size constraints
Charging source: shore charger, onboard charger, alternator/outboard, or solar
Group 24, Group 27, or Group 31 for Trolling Motor Batteries
Many people search “Group 24 vs 27 vs 31 for trolling motor” because they want a battery that fits the tray.
What matters in real installs:
Group numbers mainly describe physical size, not chemistry or exact capacity
A larger case usually allows more capacity, but the exact value depends on internal cell design
For lithium, usable capacity can be higher for the same footprint compared with many lead-acid options
If your boat tray is limited, send:
the battery compartment measurements
the hold-down method
cable length and terminal orientation preference
We will propose a pack size that fits and still hits your runtime goal.
Charging a Trolling Motor LiFePO4 Battery
Most charging problems happen because the charger profile does not match LiFePO4 requirements. Here are the practical rules:
Use a LiFePO4-compatible charger profile whenever possible
Avoid “desulfation” or “equalization” modes intended for lead-acid batteries
Confirm the charger voltage matches your system:
12V system charging typically targets the mid-14V range
24V systems are roughly double
36V systems are roughly triple
Boat charging sources can differ:
Shore power charger: easiest solution, predictable profile
Onboard charger: convenient, confirm LiFePO4 mode
Alternator or outboard charging: often benefits from a DC-DC charger to control current and protect the alternator while delivering the correct lithium charging curve
Solar: works well when the controller is set correctly for LiFePO4
If you tell us your charging source and charger model, we can advise whether you need a charger change or a DC-DC charging solution.
Cold Weather Use for LiFePO4 on Boats
Low temperature is not a “lithium failure” problem—it is a charging-condition problem.
Practical guidance:
Charging below freezing can damage lithium cells
Many LiFePO4 packs include low-temperature charge cutoff to prevent this
If you fish in cold climates, consider:
a heated battery option
insulation and placement choices
charging timing and storage strategies
If your battery “won’t charge” in cold weather, it is often the BMS protecting the cells, not a defect.
Quick Answers to Common battery for trolling motor
Are lithium batteries worth it for a trolling motor
From an ownership-cost view, they often are—especially if you fish frequently. A practical way to compare is cost per usable cycle:
Lead-acid frequently delivers fewer “deep” cycles before performance drops noticeably.
LiFePO4 is commonly selected because it maintains usable voltage and can deliver a far larger number of cycles when charged correctly.
A simple field metric: if your lead-acid setup feels sluggish late in the day, lithium’s flatter voltage curve can feel like a “performance upgrade,” not just a capacity change.
Is a 100Ah lithium battery enough for a trolling motor
It depends on system voltage and average amps, not the Ah number alone.
A quick planning method:
Estimate average draw in amps from your typical throttle usage
Plan around 80Ah usable for a 100Ah pack (conservative planning value)
Runtime ≈ usable Ah ÷ average amps
If you tell us your motor’s peak amp draw and your typical throttle range, we can size it realistically.
How long will a 100Ah battery last with a 40 lb thrust trolling motor
This varies by motor design and conditions, but you can estimate:
Find the motor’s amp draw at full throttle (many 40 lb thrust motors peak around several tens of amps).
Use runtime ≈ usable Ah ÷ amps.
Example planning math: if full-throttle draw were 40A and you plan 80Ah usable, runtime ≈ 2 hours at full throttle. Real fishing use is usually longer because average current is lower than peak.
How long will a 100Ah battery last with a 55 lb thrust trolling motor
Same method—55 lb thrust typically has higher peak current than 40 lb thrust, so full-throttle runtime is usually shorter. The best answer comes from your motor’s spec sheet current draw curve, not thrust alone.
If you share the motor model, we’ll base the estimate on its rated current rather than generic assumptions.
What is the 80 20 rule for lithium batteries
It’s a usage habit many owners follow for longevity: keep routine cycling roughly between 20% and 80% state of charge instead of running full to empty every time.
For trolling motors, this can be practical if:
You have enough capacity for your day without pushing deep every trip
You want to prioritize long-term cycle life
You can still use more of the battery when needed—this “rule” is about optimizing lifespan, not a hard requirement.
Why are lithium batteries not recommended for trolling motors
Most warnings trace back to system mismatch, not the chemistry itself. Typical real causes:
Charging below freezing without proper low-temp protection
Using a lead-acid charger with unsuitable profiles
Alternator charging without current limiting, causing regulator stress
BMS cutoffs when peak current is underestimated
When the battery, BMS, wiring, and charging are matched correctly, LiFePO4 is widely used in marine trolling setups.
Can I use a standard charger for a lithium trolling motor battery
Only if it has a LiFePO4 mode or adjustable setpoints that match LiFePO4 requirements. Many “standard” chargers were designed around lead-acid float behavior and may undercharge lithium or behave unpredictably with BMS protection.
If you send your charger model, we can tell you whether it’s compatible or recommend the correct approach.
Will my outboard alternator charge a lithium battery
Sometimes, but it depends on how the alternator and regulator behave under sustained demand and how the battery accepts current.
A common best-practice solution is a DC-DC charger between the alternator source and the LiFePO4 bank. It limits current and applies a lithium-correct charging profile, helping protect the alternator/regulator.
Can a lithium battery catch fire when not in use
LiFePO4 is considered one of the more thermally stable lithium chemistries, and well-built packs include BMS protections that reduce abnormal risk. Most storage-related incidents (across battery types) trace to:
Physical damage
Incorrect charging equipment
Poor-quality packs without robust protection
For storage best practice, many users store around mid-state-of-charge and disconnect parasitic loads. If you share your storage duration and temperatures, we can recommend a simple storage checklist.
Ready to Build Your Trolling Motor Battery Pack? Contact SAFTEC
If you are sourcing battery for trolling motor, trolling motor battery, marine trolling motor battery, or lithium battery for trolling motor projects, SAFTEC ENERGY can support you with a stable LiFePO4 battery program.
Send your motor model, voltage requirement, runtime goal, and available space—then we will recommend a pack design and quote.
